In these tough economic times, many couples are saying "I do" to marriage, while at the same time saying "I don't" to high wedding costs by opting for an intimate wedding for two. Otherwise known as "eloping," an intimate wedding for two not only is romantic, but has many other benefits as well:
1. The money you save can be put toward other things, like a honeymoon vacation, or a down payment on a house.
2. An intimate wedding for two is far less stressful than planning a large, traditional wedding.
3. If family members are spread out across the country, eloping saves you the headache of trying to please everyone with your choice of location.
Of course, with no wedding for family members to be invited to, there may be some hurt feelings. But, many couples choose to throw an informal party after they return from their honeymoon, which allows family and friends to come together and celebrate, thus smoothing out any ruffled feathers. To head off any hurt feelings, it's always good to send out elopement announcements to allow friends and family to feel a part of your plans.
How to Elope
Eloping can actually be as simple as you want it to be. Some couples choose to get married at a local courthouse or city hall, before heading out on a romantic honeymoon. Some couples choose to combine their honeymoon with their wedding ceremony, and get married in their honeymoon spot. There are some things, however, you do have to consider:
Once you've decided on a location for your elopement, be sure to familiarize yourselves with the marriage laws in the state or country you've chosen, as there may be a waiting period from the time you receive your license to the time you are allowed to marry.
Allow plenty of time to obtain your marriage license before the ceremony. Many locales allow you to apply for your license online beforehand.
Double check that you have all your paperwork before reaching your destination. Depending on the laws in your wedding destination, you may need to show a passport, birth certificate or proof of previous divorce.
Where to Have Your Intimate Wedding for Two
Here's the beauty of eloping - you have the world from which to choose. And, still, at a fraction of cost of a typical, large wedding. You can choose to elope locally; at some resort destination within a few hours drive from your house; at popular eloping destination such as Niagara Falls or Las Vegas; or even another country. It's all up to you. Popular eloping destinations include:
Las Vegas
Niagara Falls
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gretna Green, Scotland
The Florida Coast
To Make it Simple, Go for a Package
If you really want a simple wedding, seek out places which offer elopement packages which include the location, minister or officiant, photos and cake and champagne. Bed and Breakfasts are often great places to seek out elopement packages. Many proprietors of B&Bs are able to legally perform the ceremony themselves, and offer inexpensive elopement packages with accommodations included.
Shari Hearn is the creator of Elopement Packages, where you can find out information on such things as best places to elope.
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